2006

August 2006

Letter in Irish dated 9 August 1938 from the Secretary of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) Pádraig Ó Caoimh to President Douglas Hyde in which he invites the President – in his capacity as patron of the GAA – to the forthcoming unveiling of the newly-constructed Cusack Stand in Croke Park. Named in honour of Michael Cusack, founder of the GAA in 1884, the stand is to be inaugurated on 21 August and Ó Caoimh requests the honour of Hyde’s presence given that he has done so much to gaelicise Ireland.

English translation

“A Chara dhíl,

The Gaelic Athletic Association would like to invite you to be present at the ceremonial opening of the Cusack Stand in Croke Park on 21/8/1938.

The Gaelic Athletic Association has made huge progress since being founded by Michael Cusack and now on 21/8/1938 we will be opening the new stand on memory of this true Gael. We know that you have always done your utmost to make Ireland Irish and we dearly wish to have you as patron of the Gaelic Athletic Association with us so that you may participate in the joy which we all feel at this stand being unveiled.